Bedding Rose Plant Named &#39;MEICONFIZ&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of bedding rose plant, referred to by its cultivar name, ‘MEICONFIZ’, is disclosed. The new variety forms attractive, double orange-colored flowers. Attractive dark, glossy foliage is formed, which contrasts beautifully with the blossoms. A bushy growth habit is displayed. The new variety is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation in the landscape.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Plant Breeders' Right ApplicationNumber 2022/1313, which was filed at Community Plant Variety Office inthe European Union on May 25, 2022, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

Latin name of genus and species of plant claimed: Rosa hybrida.

Variety denomination: ‘MEICONFIZ’.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR

The first offer for sale of the new variety was Jun. 14, 2022, in theNetherlands. The first offer for sale of the new variety was by theinventor or another who obtained the new variety directly or indirectlyfrom the inventor. No plants of the new variety have been sold in thiscountry or anywhere in the world, nor has any disclosure of the newplant been made, more than one year prior the effective filing date ofthis application, and such sale or disclosure within one year was eitherderived directly or indirectly from the inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The new variety of rose plant of the present invention was created bycontrolled breeding at Le Cannet des Maures, Var, France by artificialpollination wherein two parents were crossed which previously had beenstudied in the hope that they would contribute the desiredcharacteristics. The female parent (i.e., the seed parent) of the newvariety was the ‘MEINEYTA’ variety (not patented). The male parent(i.e., the pollen parent) of the new variety was an unnamed seedling(not patented) that is the product of the cross between an unnamedseedling (not patented) and the ‘RADTKO’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No.16,202).

The parentage of the new variety can be summarized as follows:

‘MEINEYTA’ X (Unnamed Seedling x ‘RADTKO’)

The seeds resulting from the above pollination were sown and smallplants were obtained which were physically and biologically differentfrom each other. Selective study resulted in the identification of asingle plant of the new variety.

The new variety has been found to undergo asexual propagation in LeCannet des Maures, Var, France by a number of routes, including eyebudding, softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and hardwoodcuttings. Asexual propagation by the above-mentioned techniques in LeCannet des Maures, Var, France has shown that the characteristics of thenew variety are stable and are strictly transmissible by asexualpropagation from one generation to another. Accordingly, the new varietyundergoes asexual propagation in a true-to-type manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It was found that the new variety of rose plant of the present inventionpossesses the following combination of characteristics:

-   -   (a) forms very nice orange-colored flowers,    -   (b) produces double flowers, and    -   (c) exhibits a bushy growth habit.

The new variety well meets the needs of the horticultural industry. Itcan be grown to advantage as ornamentation in parks, gardens, publicareas, and in residential settings. Accordingly, the plant isparticularly well suited for growing in the landscape.

The new variety of the present invention can readily be distinguishedfrom its ancestors. More specifically, the ‘MEINEYTA’ variety (i.e., theseed parent) is less tolerant to disease compared to the new variety. Inaddition, the unnamed male parent (i.e., pollen parent) produces flowersthat are smaller in size and have less petals compared to the newvariety. Moreover, the new variety can be readily distinguished fromother similar non-parental varieties. For example, the ‘MEISHAMALO’variety (not patented) produces a less compact growth habit compared tothe new variety.

The new variety has been named ‘MEICONFIZ’.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying photograph of the drawing shows as nearly true as it isreasonably possible to make the same, in a color illustration of thischaracter, typical specimens of the plant parts of the new variety. Therose plants of the new variety were approximately two years of age andwere observed during April while budded by cuttings and growing outdoorsat Le Cannet des Maures, Var, France. Dimensions in centimeters areindicated at the bottom of the drawing.

Element 1—illustrates a specimen of a young shoot.

Element 2—illustrates a specimen of a floral bud before the opening ofthe sepals.

Element 3—illustrates a specimen of a floral bud at the opening of thesepals.

Element 4—illustrates a specimen of a floral bud at the opening of thepetals.

Element 5—illustrates a specimen of a flower in the course of opening.

Element 6—illustrates a specimen of an open flower—plan view—obverse.

Element 7—illustrates a specimen of an open flower—plan view—reverse.

Element 8—illustrates a specimen of a fully open flower—planview—obverse.

Element 9—illustrates a specimen of a fully open flower—planview—reverse.

Element 10—illustrates a specimen of a floral receptacle showingarrangement of the stamens and pistils.

Element 11—illustrates a specimen of a floral receptacle showingarrangement of the pistils (stamens removed).

Element 12—illustrates a specimen of a flowering stem.

Element 13—illustrates a specimen of a leaf with 3 leaflets—planview—upper surface.

Element 14—illustrates a specimen of a leaf with 3 leaflets—planview—under surface.

Element 15—illustrates a specimen of a leaf with 5 leaflets—planview—upper surface.

Element 16—illustrates a specimen of a leaf with 5 leaflets—planview—under surface.

Element 17—illustrates a specimen of a leaf with 7 leaflets—planview—upper surface.

Element 18—illustrates a specimen of a leaf with 7 leaflets—planview—under surface.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The chart used in the identification of the colors is that of The RoyalHorticultural Society (The R.H.S. Colour Chart, 2001 edition), London,England. The terminology which precedes reference to the chart has beenadded to indicate the corresponding color in more common terms. Thedescription is based on the observation of two-years-old specimens ofthe new variety during April while budded by cuttings and growingoutdoors at Le Cannet des Maures, Var, France.

-   Botanical classification: Rosa hybrida cultivar ‘MEICONFIZ’.-   Commercial classification: Bedding Rose Plant.-   Plant:    -   -   Habit.—Bushy.        -   Height.—Approximately 50 cm on average.        -   Width.—Approximately 50 cm on average.-   Branches:    -   -   Color.—Young stems: commonly near Yellow-Green Group 144A. —            adult wood: commonly near Yellow-Green Group 146A amply            suffused with Yellow-Green Group 147A.        -   Length.—From the crown to the flower is approximately 23 cm            on average.        -   Diameter.—Typically between 0.3 cm to 0.5 cm.        -   Thorns.—Configuration on adult stems: rather upright,            elongated and curved downwards on the upper surface and            concave on the under surface. — long prickles — quantity:            typically between 5 to 8 thorns on average per 10 cm long            young stem and typically between 10 to 15 thorns on average            per 10 cm long adult stem. — long prickles — length:            typically between 0.5 cm to 1.0 cm on young stems and            typically between 0.7 cm to 1.2 cm on adult stems. — long            prickles — width at base: approximately 0.2 cm on young            stems and approximately 0.2 cm on average on adult stems. —            long prickles — base shape: upright elliptical on young            stems and on adult stems. — long prickles — color on young            stems: commonly near Yellow-Green Group 144B more or less            suffused with Greyed-Purple Group 178A at the top. — long            prickles — color on adult stems: commonly near Yellow-Green            Group 144B amply suffused with Greyed-Purple Group 178A. —            small prickles — quantity: absent.        -   Internode.—Numbers on the entire branch: approximately 7 on            average. — length: approximately 2.5 cm on average.-   Foliage:    -   -   General appearance.—Dense, dark and glossy.        -   Number of leaflets.—3, 5, 7; most often 5.        -   5 leaflets leaf.—Length: approximately 10.0 cm on average. —            width: approximately 7.5 cm on average.        -   Terminal leaflet.—Length: approximately 4.0 cm on average. —            width: approximately 3.0 cm on average.        -   Young shoots.—Anthocyanin coloration: upper surface is            commonly near Greyed-Purple Group 178A; absent on under            surface.        -   New foliage.—Upper surface color: commonly near a color            between Yellow-Green Group 146A and Yellow-Green Group 147A.            — under surface color: commonly near a color between            Yellow-Green Group 146A and Yellow-Green Group 146B.        -   Adult foliage.—Upper surface color: commonly near            Yellow-Green Group 147A. — under surface color: commonly            near Yellow-Green Group 147B.-   Leaflets:    -   -   Shape.—Tip: acuminate. — base: obtuse.        -   Intensity of glossiness.—Very strong.        -   Texture.—Upper surface is smooth; under surface is bumpy.        -   General appearance.—Elliptical.        -   Serration.—Small and single.        -   Undulation on the margin.—Medium.        -   Venation.—Color is commonly near Yellow-Green Group 144A and            pattern is imparipinnate.        -   Petiole rachis.—Color of upper surface: commonly near            Yellow-Green Group 144A suffused with near Greyed-Purpled            Group 178A. — color of under surface: commonly near            Yellow-Green Group 144B. — texture: upper surface is            slightly glandular, under surface has few prickles. — rachis            of terminal leaflet: length is approximately 3.0 cm on            average and diameter is typically less than 0.1 cm.        -   Petioles.—Upper surface: few glandular. — under surface: few            prickles. — color of upper surface: commonly near            Yellow-Green Group 144A more or less suffused with near            Greyed-Purple Group 178A. — color of under surface: commonly            near Yellow-Green Group 144B. — length: approximately 3.0 cm            on average. — diameter: approximately 0.2 cm on average.        -   Stipules.—Length: approximately 1.1 cm on average. — width:            approximately 0.4 cm on average. — general appearance:            rather broad. — texture: few prickles. — color of upper            surface: commonly near Yellow-Green Group 145A more or less            suffused with near Yellow-Green Group 144B. — color of under            surface: commonly near Yellow-Green Group 145A more or less            suffused with near Yellow-Green Group 144B.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Number of flowers per stem.—Typically between 1 to 7 flowers            per stem.        -   Lastingness of the bloom.—On the plant: approximately 15            days on average. — in vase: not tested.        -   Bud.—Shape: conical. — size: medium. — length: approximately            3.0 cm on average. — width: approximately 2.0 cm on average.            — color as calyx breaks: upper surface: commonly homogenous            and continuous color gradient from near Orange Group 25A at            the base to near Orange-Red Group 32A at the edge of the            petal; basal spot is very little and color is commonly near            Yellow Group 7A. under surface: commonly homogenous and            continuous color gradient from near Orange Group 25A at the            base to near Orange-Red Group 32A at the edge of the petal;            basal spot is very little and color is commonly near Yellow            Group 7A.        -   Sepals.—Number: commonly 5. — length: typically between 2.0            cm to 2.5 cm on average. — width: approximately 0.7 cm on            average (on median part). — shape: at the top: elongate and            narrow. at the base: flat at union with the receptacle. —            extensions: typically 2 sepals without extensions, 1 sepal            with weak extension, and 2 sepals with medium extensions. —            upper surface: texture: tomentous. color: commonly near a            color between Yellow-Green Group 144A and 144B completely            covered by near White Group 155A hairs. — under surface:            texture: slightly tomentous or slightly glandular depends on            the sepals. color: commonly near a color between            Yellow-Green Group 144A and 144B, slightly covered by near            White Group 155A hairs on the edge.        -   Receptacle.—Color: commonly near Yellow-Green Group 144B. —            length: approximately 1.0 cm on average. — width:            approximately 1.0 cm on average. — surface: smooth. — shape:            slightly pear shaped.        -   Peduncle.—Length: approximately 4.0 cm on average. — width:            approximately 0.3 cm on average. — surface: smooth. — color:            commonly near Yellow-Green Group 144B.        -   Flower.—Diameter when open: approximately 8.0 cm on average.            — depth of the flower: typically between 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm. —            shape: cup shaped. — shape when viewed from above: irregular            rounded. — shape of the upper part of the flower profile:            flattened convex. — shape of the lower part of the flower            profile: flat. — type: double. — number of petals under            normal conditions: typically between 20 to 25 petals. —            petals: shape: obcordate (rounded with a very little tip at            the top and acute at the base). texture: soft. length:            typically between 3.0 cm to 4.0 cm. width: typically between            2.0 cm to 4.0 cm. — undulation of the petal: medium. —            reflexing of the petal: very weak. — petal incision: absent.            — petal arrangement: imbricated with petaloids; less than 5            petaloids per flower in general (very little deformed petal            fused with a stamen). — petal drop: petals drop off cleanly            before drying. — fragrance: very slightly sweet fragrance. —            discoloration of the flower: yes (disappearance of yellow            and orange pigments). — color when opening: basal spot on            the upper surface: commonly near Yellow Group 5A. upper            surface external petals: commonly a gradient color near            Yellow Group 5A from the basal spot to near a color between            Orange Group 29A and Red Group 38A to the edge of the petal.            upper surface internal petals: commonly near Red Group 51B            on the edge of the petal more and more amply suffused with            near a color between Orange Group 24A and 25A when going to            the base of the petal. basal spot on the under surface:            commonly near Yellow Group 5B. under surface external            petals: a gradient color near Yellow Group 5B from the basal            spot to near a color between Orange Group 29B and Red Group            38B to the edge of the petal. under surface internal petals:            commonly near Red Group 51C on the edge of the petal more            and more amply suffused with near Orange Group 25B when            going to the base of the petal. — color of the open flower:            basal spot: absent. upper surface of the flower: commonly            near Red-Purple Group 62C slightly suffused with near            Red-Purple Group 62A. under surface of the flower: commonly            near Red-Purple Group 65C slightly suffused with near            Red-Purple Group 65A. — anthers: typically between 160 to            170, length is approximately 0.2 cm on average, width is            approximately 0.1 cm on average, coloration is commonly near            Yellow-Orange Group 22A, and arrangement is regular around            styles. — filaments: length is approximately 0.5 cm on            average and coloration is commonly near Red Group 50B. —            styles: length is approximately 0.4 cm on average,            coloration is commonly near Red Group 50B, and number is            typically between 30 to 40. — stigmas: length is            approximately 0.1 cm on average and coloration is commonly            near Yellow-Orange Group 22A. — pollen: abundant; color is            commonly near Yellow-Orange Group 22A. — hips: information            not available.-   Development:    -   -   Vegetation.—Very strong.        -   Blooming.—Very early in the season, abundant and nearly            continuous, typically from May to November in France.        -   USDA hardiness zone.—At least Zone 5.        -   Tolerance to disease.—Exceptional, and particularly against            rust (Phragmidium sp.), powdery mildew (Podasphaera            pannosa), and black spot (Diplocarpon rosae).

The new ‘MEICONFIZ’ variety has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions to date. Accordingly, it is possible that thephenotypic expression may vary somewhat with changes in light intensityand duration, cultural practices, and other environmental conditions.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant named ‘MEICONFIZ’characterized by the following combination of characteristics: (a) formsvery nice orange colored flowers, (b) produces double flowers, and (c)exhibits a bushy growth habit; substantially as herein shown anddescribed.